Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal).
Breathing conditions: Rivastigmine may cause breathing problems to worsen. If you have a history of Asthma or obstructive lung disease (e.g., emphysema, chronic Bronchitis), discuss with your doctor how Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal) may cause dizziness or drowsiness, mainly when starting treatment or increasing the dose. Your doctor will advise you whether it is safe for you to drive vehicles and operate machinery. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive, use machines, or perform any other tasks that require your attention.
Heart disease: People with certain types of heart disease (e.g., Congestive Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease) are more likely to experience symptoms of heart disease as a result of rivastigmine slowing down the heart rate. If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Incorrect use of medication: Rivastigmine patches are intended to be worn one at a time. Forgetting to remove a patch and applying a second one, can lead to severe, sometimes fatal side effects. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, high blood pressure, decreased heart rate or falls, when you previously have tolerated the medication well, this may indicate an incorrect use of the patches. Report any unusual side effects to your doctor as soon as possible.
Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Decreased liver function or liver disease can lead to Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal). People with severely reduced liver function should not use Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal).
Low body weight: People who weigh less than 50 kg may experience more side effects than people who weigh more than 50 kg. Discuss with your doctor any concerns you may have about using the rivastigmine patch.
Seizures: People who have a history of seizures may experience an increase in seizures when using rivastigmine patch. If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stomach problems: The use of rivastigmine patch is associated with significant stomach side effects including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If these side effects persist or they bother you, speak to your doctor. If you have a history of stomach ulcers or are at risk of developing ulcers, discuss with your doctor how Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping and restarting treatment: If you miss more than 3 days' worth of treatment, talk to your doctor about how to safely restart the medication.
Surgery: Rivastigmine increases the effects of some medications that are used during surgery. If you are going to have surgery, make sure you let all the doctors, including dentists, know that you are using rivastigmine patch.
Pregnancy: Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if rivastigmine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Exelon Patch 15 (Rivastigmine-transdermal) have not been established for children.